2) Indonesia sets 2028 deadline for Papua government centers
3) Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services
--------------------------------------------
1) Papuan man shot dead during security operation in Tembagapura, Mimika regency
On 2 March 2026, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) shot dead Mr Eanus Mom, a civilian gold miner, during a security operation conducted by near Mile 69 in the PT Freeport Indonesia mining concession area, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. During the same operation, seven individuals were arbitrarily detained, including Mr Wainus Kogoya, Head of RT 07 in Utikini Dua Village, and Mr Nopenius Murib, an internally displaced resident from the Ilaga District who had sought refuge in Utikini Baru SP 12. According to family members and community representatives, the deceased and the detained individuals were civilians and not members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), as publicly claimed by the Indonesian military.
According to official information released by the Indonesian military, TNI members conducted a security operation after receiving reports of an armed attack allegedly carried out by members of the TPNPB in the Tembagapura area. The operation took place on 2 March 2026 in the evening at approximately 6:00 pm near Mile 69 of the PT Freeport Indonesia mining area. Military authorities stated that TPNPB opened fire at a patrol team, which reportedly returned fire and subsequently raided the surrounding area. According to the TNI statement, one TPNPB member was killed and six others were arrested during the operation.,Several items, including an air rifle, and traditional weapons such as arrows and bows were allegedly confiscated.
Family members and local residents dispute this account. According to relatives of the deceased, Mr Eanus Mom, was a civilian working as a gold miner in Kali Kabur and had no involvement with the TPNPB. A family member stated that military members hsot dead Mr Mom at Post 4 Utikini during the operation.
Following the incident, the body and detainees were reportedly taken to Koramil 1710-04/Tembagapura. On 3 March 2026, Mr Mom’s body was transported by ambulance to the family residence in Route 4, Kwamki Narama District in the afternoon (see video below, source: indpendent HRD). Upon arrival, the body remained in the ambulance for several hours while security officials and local government representatives talked with the family. The relatives demanded accountability for the killing and reiterated that the victim was not affiliated with any armed group.
At the same time, members of the extended family from Utikini Baru SP 12 called upon the the TNI and Police authorities in Mimika Regency to immediate release Mr Wainus Kogoya and Mr Nopenius Murib, asserting that both men were civilian residents with no involvement in armed activities (see video below, source: indepndent HRD). All detaniees were released without charges on 6 March 2026.
Human rights analysis
The incident raises serious concerns regarding the use of lethal force by security forces during military operations in civilian areas, particularly in the absence of transparent evidence that the victim was directly participating in hostilities. If the victim was a civilian, the shooting may constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life under international human rights law.
The killing of a civilian during a security operation may constitute a violation of the right to life as enshrined in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly if lethal force was used without necessity or proportionality, or if the victim did not pose an imminent threat. According to the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, security forces must strictly adhere to the principles of necessity, proportionality, precaution, and accountability when using force.
In addition, the detention of civilians during security sweeps without clear evidence or due process safeguards may violate protections against arbitrary arrest and detention as stipulated in Article 9 ICCPR. The absence of an immediate independent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting and detention also raises concerns regarding impunity and the failure of authorities to ensure effective remedies for victims and their families.
Furthermore, the conflicting narratives between military authorities and the victim’s family highlight the lack of transparency and independent oversight in security operations in the Papuan provinces, particularly in areas surrounding major extractive industry sites such as the PT Freeport Indonesia mining complex in Tembagapura. The continued detention of individuals without due procedure also raises concerns regarding arbitrary arrest and potential criminalisation of civilians suspected of supporting or being associated with armed groups.
Relatives received Mr Eanus Mom’s body on 3 March 2026
Community members called for the immediate release Mr Wainus Kogoya and Mr Nopenius Murib, asserting that both men were civilian residents
Detailed Case Data
Location: Tembagapura, Arwandop, Kec. Tembagapura, Kabupaten Mimika, Papua Tengah, Indonesia (-4.333333, 137) near Mile 69 in the PT Freeport Indonesia mining concession area
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, Tembagapura
Total number of victims: 7
Location: Tembagapura, Arwandop, Kec. Tembagapura, Kabupaten Mimika, Papua Tengah, Indonesia (-4.333333, 137) near Mile 69 in the PT Freeport Indonesia mining concession area
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, Tembagapura
Total number of victims: 7
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Eanus Mom | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | execution, right to life, unlawful killing |
| 2. | 1 | Wainus Kogoya | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
| 3. | 1 | Nopenius Murib | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
| 4. | 1 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention | |
| 5. | 1 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention | |
| 6. | 1 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention | |
| 7. | 1 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: Members of the Kodim 1710/Mimika
Issues: indigenous peoples--------------------------------------------
2) Indonesia sets 2028 deadline for Papua government centers
March 7, 2026 19:23 GMT+700
Jayawijaya, Highland Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has set a 2028 deadline for completing the construction of the government core areas (KIPP) in all four new autonomous provinces of Papua, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk said.
She confirmed the agenda after conducting a firsthand inspection of a KIPP development site in Hubikosi, Jayawijaya District, Highland Papua, alongside Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti and Highland Papua Governor John Tabo.
In a statement received here on Saturday, Haluk said the government had designated the four KIPPs as national strategic projects, with President Prabowo Subianto expected to inaugurate them upon completion.
She referred to the provinces of Highland Papua, Central Papua, Southwest Papua, and South Papua—all established in 2022 as expansions from Papua and West Papua.
Haluk reported that the South Papua KIPP had completed development and been functional since January 5 this year, while physical construction in Southwest Papua had reached 90 percent.
She added that the government launched the development of the Central Papua KIPP on December 29, 2025, with progress recorded at 3.21 percent.
Furthermore, she noted that the Highland Papua KIPP had advanced to the detailed engineering design (DED) stage, which examines technical aspects, including structural and budget plans.
“The DED will serve as the primary guide for construction. This process will be followed by a project auction in June 2026,” she said.
She explained that the DED was prepared by the Highland Papua government after a feasibility study and the introduction of a preliminary design to minimize risks, pursue budget efficiency, and ensure compliance with standards.
In its initial phase, she continued, the Highland Papua project will focus on the governor’s office and legislative buildings.
She further remarked that the Home Affairs Ministry would continue coordination with the Public Works Ministry to ensure optimal development of KIPPs in all four new autonomous regions.
Related news: Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services
Related news: Indonesian minister pushes export villages to boost West Papua economy
She confirmed the agenda after conducting a firsthand inspection of a KIPP development site in Hubikosi, Jayawijaya District, Highland Papua, alongside Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti and Highland Papua Governor John Tabo.
In a statement received here on Saturday, Haluk said the government had designated the four KIPPs as national strategic projects, with President Prabowo Subianto expected to inaugurate them upon completion.
She referred to the provinces of Highland Papua, Central Papua, Southwest Papua, and South Papua—all established in 2022 as expansions from Papua and West Papua.
Haluk reported that the South Papua KIPP had completed development and been functional since January 5 this year, while physical construction in Southwest Papua had reached 90 percent.
She added that the government launched the development of the Central Papua KIPP on December 29, 2025, with progress recorded at 3.21 percent.
Furthermore, she noted that the Highland Papua KIPP had advanced to the detailed engineering design (DED) stage, which examines technical aspects, including structural and budget plans.
“The DED will serve as the primary guide for construction. This process will be followed by a project auction in June 2026,” she said.
She explained that the DED was prepared by the Highland Papua government after a feasibility study and the introduction of a preliminary design to minimize risks, pursue budget efficiency, and ensure compliance with standards.
In its initial phase, she continued, the Highland Papua project will focus on the governor’s office and legislative buildings.
She further remarked that the Home Affairs Ministry would continue coordination with the Public Works Ministry to ensure optimal development of KIPPs in all four new autonomous regions.
Related news: Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services
Related news: Indonesian minister pushes export villages to boost West Papua economy
Translator: Yudhi E, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
———————————————————
3) Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services
March 6, 2026 17:22 GMT+700
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Deputy Governor of Papua Aryoko Rumaropen launched the “Healthy Program” in three regions of Papua, namely Jayapura City, Jayapura District, and Keerom District, a collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Canadian Government.
“The program aims to strengthen collaboration and managerial capacity in primary health services, especially at community health centers (puskesmas), which are the frontline of public health,” Rumaropen said after the launch at the Papua Governor’s Office on Friday.
According to Rumaropen, the initiative focuses on enhancing primary health service management at local health centers and lower-level facilities.
“Strengthening basic health services is crucial due to the still-high maternal mortality rates in several areas. Increasing the capacity of health workers at puskesmas is expected to improve service quality for vulnerable groups,” he added.
The program also stressed reproductive health services for women, particularly pregnant women and adolescent girls, allowing for earlier health interventions through primary health facilities.
“By enhancing the capacity of health workers at puskesmas, services for pregnant women, women, and reproductive health can be delivered faster and more effectively,” he said.
He added that Papua Province was chosen as one of the program’s implementation areas, with three regions serving as pilot project sites.
“Moreover, the program is planned to run until 2032 and is expected to expand to other areas in Papua in the next phase,” he said.
He explained that the government expected the program would eventually extend beyond the initial three regions to six more districts, bringing the total coverage to nine areas.
“Strengthening basic health services through this program is also expected to support government efforts to reduce stunting, as maternal and child health services are a key factor in prevention,” he added.
Related news: Toward a Healthy Papua: Equal health insurance for all
Related news: Papua launches healthy schools
Related news: West Papua taps public spaces to boost Free Health Check uptake
“The program aims to strengthen collaboration and managerial capacity in primary health services, especially at community health centers (puskesmas), which are the frontline of public health,” Rumaropen said after the launch at the Papua Governor’s Office on Friday.
According to Rumaropen, the initiative focuses on enhancing primary health service management at local health centers and lower-level facilities.
“Strengthening basic health services is crucial due to the still-high maternal mortality rates in several areas. Increasing the capacity of health workers at puskesmas is expected to improve service quality for vulnerable groups,” he added.
The program also stressed reproductive health services for women, particularly pregnant women and adolescent girls, allowing for earlier health interventions through primary health facilities.
“By enhancing the capacity of health workers at puskesmas, services for pregnant women, women, and reproductive health can be delivered faster and more effectively,” he said.
He added that Papua Province was chosen as one of the program’s implementation areas, with three regions serving as pilot project sites.
“Moreover, the program is planned to run until 2032 and is expected to expand to other areas in Papua in the next phase,” he said.
He explained that the government expected the program would eventually extend beyond the initial three regions to six more districts, bringing the total coverage to nine areas.
“Strengthening basic health services through this program is also expected to support government efforts to reduce stunting, as maternal and child health services are a key factor in prevention,” he added.
Related news: Toward a Healthy Papua: Equal health insurance for all
Related news: Papua launches healthy schools
Related news: West Papua taps public spaces to boost Free Health Check uptake
Translator: Qadri, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
-----------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.